ShaunBSc(Hons)ComputerNetwork ManagementandSecurity2012FullTime

I chose Glyndwr University as it offered the better course for me and it was definitely the right decision. The whole experience of being at Glyndwr was fantastic.

The course gave me an understanding of theory which I could then apply in industry. It taught me core fundamental skills which meant I could go into any job and pick it up. I also received fantastic support from my tutors. All the computing staff were phenomenal in their knowledge and support of the students. You wouldn’t get that at another university.

When you graduate, don’t expect to be fully skilled going into a job. Only experience can give you that. I was keen to gain some work experience so I went to the careers centre, who helped me secure a Go Wales paid work placement between my first and second year. This was fundamental for me progressing through the rest of the course. The careers teams at Glyndwr are fantastic. I can’t sing their praises enough. This work experience taught me that if I wanted to be successful, I needed to get a good degree and work hard. This made me a more dedicated student in my second and third year as I knew I wanted to get a first.

I was fortunate to benefit from two Go Wales placements, I was head hunted for one which was very pleasing. Each of those companies offered me a job, so they led to real life opportunities. Without the work experience I wouldn’t have done as well on my degree.

I’m currently studying for my PhD and also running my company Creative Catalysts Ltd, which I founded between my second and third year. I set up Creative Catalysts so that I had something established for when I finished my degree. I was only 20/21. It was hard work setting up a business and getting a degree, but it was worth it.

Running my own business wasn’t really put forward as an option for me until I came to higher education. No-one at school ever said you can start your own business. It was only when I came into Higher Education and Glyndwr that I considered it. I realised that being young is an advantage not a barrier. Anyone can start a business; you just need confidence and belief in yourself. Now Creative Catalysts is really expanding. I am working hard on progressing the company and hopefully it will continue to grow at a phenomenal rate.

My career highlights have been becoming Chairman of the Chester and Wrexham Federation of Small Businesses. I was also included in the ‘35 young men making their mark in business in Wales’. I also received the Prize for Innovation in Final Year Project from the Creative and Applied Research for the Digital Society. I am also a Role Model for Big Ideas Wales, part of the Business Wales Service. This allows me to help support the next generation of young entrepreneurs in Wales.

The best advice I can give to someone wanting to work in a similar field is to get work experience. Glyndwr will help as the careers team are so good. Go to the business education talks and everything you can. Also, use your degree to see which areas within computing interest you. Make the most of all the facilities and all the opportunities. You have to embrace it as a whole package to get the most out of it.